# Simple Match 3 vs Thread and Beads

The clearest difference is price: Thread and Beads at Free against Simple Match 3's $1.99. Thread and Beads also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Simple Match 3's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and ratings volume (247 vs 1). On in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Thread and Beads is free to download; Simple Match 3 costs $1.99 up front. Simple Match 3 sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Thread and Beads sells 4 one-off in-app purchases. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Thread and Beads holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Simple Match 3 has 247 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

Simple Match 3 ships an update weekly, Thread and Beads every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 30, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Simple Match 3 | Thread and Beads |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $1.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [4.8 (247 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thread-and-beads/id6761869741/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **247** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 90.1% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Best chart rank | **#38** | — |
| Size | 463 MB | 137 MB |
| Requires iOS | **14.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Mulberry Tree Games, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1714124470) | [Tea Stained House LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1891874030) |

## What reviewers say

### Simple Match 3

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/simple-match-3/id6482984389)

**Currently charting:** #38 Top Paid · Casual, #47 Top Paid · Puzzle (US App Store)

This is a relaxing puzzle game where you swap tiles to make matches of three. Unlock hundreds of unique tiles, customize your game's appearance, and enjoy satisfying effects. It offers a peaceful experience without ads or excessive story elements.

**Highlights:** No ads or subscriptions, Hundreds of unique tiles, Customizable appearance, Daily levels with leaderboards, Zen Mode for relaxation, Satisfying visual effects, Achievements and boosters

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Simple Match 3 Gold | $1.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Best Match 3 Game
- 👍 Calming and Engaging
- 🔒 No Ads or IAPs
- 👍 Customizable Tiles
- 👍 Relaxing Music and Sound Effects

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Bugs in Higher Levels
- 🐛 Impossible Levels Due to Missing Obstacles
- 🐛 Soft Locks with Rainbow Tiles
- 🐛 Reward Box Tapping Issue
- 🐛 Inconsistent Star Rating System

**Reported bugs**

- Levels with Missing Obstacles
- Reward Box Tapping Issue
- Inconsistent Star Rating System
- Soft Locks with Rainbow Tiles
- Crashes on Opening

**Requested features**

- Level Editor
- Endless/Survival Mode
- Improved Power-Up Interactions
- Hints or Shuffle Option
- Landscape Support for iPad


### Thread and Beads

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thread-and-beads/id6761869741)

A cozy puzzle game where you link colorful beads to create satisfying chains and achieve goals. Enjoy a low-stress, gentle strategy experience designed for quick sessions or longer play.

**Highlights:** Link colorful beads, Plan satisfying chains, Complete strategic goals, Earn coins, Low-stress puzzle experience, Zen Mode for calmer play

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1,000 Coins | $0.99 | one-time |
| 2,500 Coins | $1.99 | one-time |
| Remove Banner Ads | $2.99 | one-time |
| 10,000 coins | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Simple Match 3 free?

Simple Match 3 costs $1.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Is Thread and Beads free?

Thread and Beads is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Simple Match 3 or Thread and Beads?

Thread and Beads is rated higher. Simple Match 3 averages 4.8 out of 5 from 247 ratings, while Thread and Beads averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.

### Do Simple Match 3 or Thread and Beads have ads?

Thread and Beads shows ads; Simple Match 3 does not.

### Which is updated more often, Simple Match 3 or Thread and Beads?

Simple Match 3 ships an update weekly, and Thread and Beads every 3 weeks. Most recently, Simple Match 3 was updated on October 1, 2026 and Thread and Beads on September 30, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*